\doc\web\99\07\wea.txt Date sent: Fri, 07 May 1999 19:47:17 -0400 To: cjo@ior.com From: "Jami Lund" (by way of Cindy Omlin ) Subject: Union on trial for concealed politics TRIAL UNDERWAY Recent News “It’s not often that we get a real look inside the cynical politics of the education establishment. But in Washington state, a case involving the teachers union there has shown just how devious the national Education Association really is.” Investor’s Business Daily 4/27/99 “A trial begins next Monday on Evergreen’s contention that the union is basically a political action committee and must fully report all its activities” Wall Street Journal 4/29/99 After nearly two years of collecting and analyzing evidence of the Washington Education Association’s political machine, a Thurston County Superior Court will consider if the scope of WEA’s political action makes it a “political committee.” This trial allows the presentation of accumulated evidence of the zealous political activism that permeates all parts of this multi-million dollar organization. If we are successful in all charges, the court would: (1) define “political committee” to make clear that large organizations cannot avoid PAC requirements by simply integrating politics with general operations, (2) penalize the WEA to deter future violations, and (3) impose an injunction against the WEA to prevent continuing its integrated political activities unless it registers as a PAC. Monday, May 3 Lead counsel, Steve O’Ban presented opening arguments. He laid out our arguments that the WEA has deliberately integrated political activities into all parts of its operations. In the 1996 election, which included Initiatives 173 and 177 expanding school options, the WEA devised and executed a political plan requiring at least $1.5 million. Very few of these expenses, were reported to the Public Disclosure Commission. The first witness to testify was James Seibert, the WEA Executive Director. He made it plain that during the 1996 election cycle, he appointed himself program manager of government relations. At his direction, the WEA approved a plan of action for the 1996 election. Seibert also sought the National Education Association funding for major elements of the political agenda. Tuesday, May 4 Kristeen Hanselman, NEA political operative, took the stand to describe her role in facilitating the political operations for WEA. She testified that her salary was not paid by the Political Action Committee, and that she “guided” WEA field staff who also were not paid by the PAC. Hanselman also demonstrated that she had a role in securing outside political assistance—pollsters, political consultants and “coalition partners” to help pay the costs. Wednesday, May 5 Kristeen Hanselman further described the WEA staffing for the execution of “campaign 96.” For instance, she confirmed by name fifteen individuals who took on political duties in 1996. Next on the stand was Cathy Allen, a political consultant paid by WEA. Allen was retained in 1995 to do “opposition research,” grassroots organizing, and “decline to sign” efforts. Thursday, May 6 Bruce Willsie, of the list management firm Labels & Lists, took the stand to describe services WEA secured from his firm. His testimony also indicated a high level of cooperation between the WEA and the Democrat coordinated campaign. For example, WEA had Labels & List compare the WEA membership list with the Democrat voter list to “enhance” the WEA member list with voter information. Next, Rod Regan, WEA Political Action Coordinator, testified about his role in devising and implementing the political plan. He described the voter targeting effort by precinct that was part of accomplishing the plan. Court not in session Friday. Other thoughts: We have been very pleased with the attentiveness of the Judge. The Judge clearly understands the legal issues and he knows the documentation which has been submitted. His questions to witnesses and attention to details shows that he is paying close attention. ______________________________________________ Mr. Jami Lund, Paycheck Protection Project mailto:jlund@effwa.org http://www.effwa.org/tppreport/ Evergreen Freedom Foundation (360) 956-3482 PO Box 552 Olympia, WA 98507 ______________________________________________